Train Control Officer: Specialist - Transnet

Position Purpose:

• Control and authorize the movement of all the Trains (including heavy-haul and specialized trains) running on the mainline and specific designated sections of the network in accordance with the applicable safe operational procedures as per train working rules, General Appendices, Rail Directives and prescribed Business rules to ensure a safe, efficient and Scheduled
• Railway service in accordance to the Integrated Train Plan (ITP).
• Control and authorize the movement of Trains in the shunting yards and specific designated sections of the mainline or station as it might be required within the same rules above.
• Control trains by means of colour lights and consist of various sophisticated elements which might include but not limited to:
  • CS90 interface
  • Points
  • Signals
  • Train detection equipment
  • One or more interlocking’s
  • etc.

Position outputs:

• Ensure safe and efficient movement of trains during normal and abnormal operations by implementing contingency plans and fall-back procedures during system and condition assessment equipment failures in order to minimise delays.

• Execute Integrated Train Plan (ITP) in area of control as prescribed in the Scheduled Railway business rules.
• Co-ordinate and monitor rail infrastructure maintenance related network occupations granted for repairs on rail tracks, signalling, overhead equipment etc. as well as for other activities e.g., cutting of trees obstructing signals etc. which could impact the safe running of trains to ensure that the rail network is maintained in accordance with the required standard.

• Accountable for the speedily activation of relevant staff as per the contingency plan to deal with all incidents and occurrences that may impact the train service in area of control with the objective to control, resolve and to capture full particulars on the TIMS system for record and investigation purposes.

• Ensure that all staff inclusive of Contractors working in his/her area of control abide by laid down procedures through clear and effective communication amongst all role players to promote safety, quality and compliance in accordance with prescribed procedures.

• Obtain, co-ordinate, complete and record on-going system management information for reference purposes.
• To conduct on the Job practical training for trainees by constant supervision and skills/knowledge transfer to candidates.
• Responsible for the application of train working rules and safety standards during the execution of the train service plan and incidents/accidents situations on the infrastructure e.g., clearance of derailments, thus ensuring a safe working environment.

• Ensure timeous event reporting and provide updates in area of responsibility.
• Adherence to Business Rules, e.g., Slot management, Train number compliance, OBC/TDU procedures and IATS.
• Monitoring of audio and visual detection equipment and fault reporting e.g. (voice logger indications, OAT, and communication equipment)

• Be prepared to execute operational instructions as issued by a competent authority according to business requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining applicable competency requirements as per operational requirements.

Qualifications & Experience:

Educational Requirements

• Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science OR
• Alternatively, the candidate should have been previously trained, licensed and certified competent to perform Train Control Officer duties independently for a minimum period of 12 months.

Functional Training

• Train working Certificate / Diploma
• Be prepared to successfully undergo comprehensive theoretical and practical training to be certified as competent to perform Train Control Official (Specialist) (Category C) duties independently

• Alternatively, for candidates without Grade 12 with pure Mathematics and/or Physical Science a Train Control Duties (Category B, J) Certificate of Competence is required

• Minimum of 2 years continuous experience on Train Control Duties (J, IB) within Transnet Freight Rail after being certified to work independently as Train Control Officer (Mainline)

• NB. Ex-Train Control Officers should be prepared to successfully undergo depot-specific training if the previously licensing is still valid i.e. if the last performed train control duties is under 6 months (evidence is required) OR alternatively if the last performed Train Control duties are more than 6 months the candidate must be prepared to undergo full initial training as it may be required

External Trainee Train Control Officers:

• Have completed the structured train control training program (9) months, be FISA assessed and found competent for a
  the specific method of train control, thereafter, be appointed into the parent grade of the specific grade for a period of 12 months,

Work Experience

• Must have successfully undergo theoretical and practical training to be certified as competent to perform Train Control duties independently

Standard Requirements

• Shall undergo periodic medical surveillance and safety behavioural risk assessments during the selection process and every 12 months

• Physical, hearing, vision and mental fitness (to be verified through medical tests and related Safety Behavioural Risk Assessment)

• Be prepared to work in an isolated area
• Prepared to work shifts
• Prepared to travel.

Competencies:

Knowledge

• Program Microsoft office PC based systems (TFR Portal based) such as TOMS IOMS TDU and SPRINT where applicable
• O2E Processes
• Integrated Train Plan
• Shunting procedures (Air brake and Vacuum)
• Yard and Siding layout / working within the boundaries of his/her control territory.
• Scheduling / Rescheduling of trains
• Locomotive classes, Freight Tables Wagons, On-track machines and the hauling capacities and constraints of his section.
• Composition of Loads (Abnormal Loads/Sensitive Traffic)
• OHTE Switching, Signal, Diagram and Line Plans of Section and the application thereof.
• The geographical layout of specific sections
• OBML Process
• Relevant Acts and Policies:
• Main Agreement,
• Disciplinary/Grievance Procedures,
• BCEA,
• Substance Abuse Policy,
• Employment Equity,
• Rail Regulator
• Uniform clothing
• Sexual Harassment
• Time-keeping Principles,
• Sick leave Policy
• Vehicle Policy
• Smoking Policy
• Disability Policy
• Maternity Policy
• Performance Management
• Health and Safety Act 85
• Language Policy
• Absenteeism Management
• Code of Ethics

Skills:

• Excellent Command of English
• Multi-tasking
• Typing
• Report writing
• Time Management
• Information Processing
• Teamwork
• Holistic Thinking
• Presentation
• Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Participative Management Style
• Procedural Alignment
• Identifies Cause and effects
• Asking the right questions
• On the Job training